Racine: Phaedra

133 EURIPIDES
The splendid robe of thousand dyes
Will fascinate her raptured eyes,
And tempt her till she wear
The golden diadem, arrayed
To meet her bridegroom in th' infernal shade
She thus into the snare
Of death shall be surprised by fate,
Nor 'scape remorseless Ate's direful hate.
But as for thee whose nuptials bring
The proud alliance of a king,
'Midst dangers unespied
Thou madly rushing, aid'st the blow
Ordained by Heaven to lay thy children low.
And thy lamented bride:
O man, how little dost thou know
That o'er thy head impends severest woe I
Thy anguish I no less bemoan.
No less for thee, O mother, groan.
Bent on a horrid deed.
Thy children who resolv'st to slay,
Nor fear'st to take their guiltless lives away.
Those innocents must bleed.
Because, disdainful of thy charms,
Thy husband flies to a new consort's arms.
Enter Attendant and the Sons of Ja^on and Medea.
Attendant.—Your sons, my honored mistress, are set free
From banishment ; in her own hands those gifts
With courtesy the royal bride received
Hence have your sons obtained their peace.
Medea.— No matter.
Attendant.—Why stand you in confusion, when befriended
By prosperous fortune?
Medea.— Ah
Attendant.— This harsh reception
Accords not with the tidings which I bring.
Medea.—Alas ! and yet again I say, alas
Attendant.—Have I related with unconscious tongue